Atomic22 infiniti3D security system

Innovative and very comprehensive security system but this level of security doesn't come cheap

Weight:

74g

Contact:

www.atomic22.com

Atomic22 infiniti3D security system

710Shaun Audane

Atomic 22 infintiti3D security system

Atomic 22 infiniti3D is a comprehensive, clever and effective security system designed to protect all your bike's components, from the usual seatposts, stems and quick release skewers through to brakes, shifters, derailleurs, chain-rings, pedals and saddles. The parts are made from high-strength titanium, so it's not cheap.

The infiniti3D fasteners and skewer are engineered to match those of the component manufacturer, so the fit precisely. The use of 6Al/4V titanium makes them phenomenally hard thanks to the strength-increasing aluminium and vanadium in the alloy. This material confounds machine shop tools, let alone those found in the average cyclist's or pro thief's arsenal.

Atomic 22's products fall into two groups, the Tribe and Infinity kits, available in road, track or mountain bike genres. Only the latter is truly bespoke, with more colour and higher standard of finish.

Our Tribe kit comprised seat collar, front skewer and headset top cap and bolt. The fasteners are neatly machined and the locking key is similar to the 8mm head typically found on multi-tools.

You can expand the system by buying additional bolts at a later date. The key is automatically registered to the owner at the time of purchase - no need to fill in assorted forms. It'll be a major pain if you lose it though. You can get a replacement for £30, but won't be able to, say, remove your front wheel in the meantime.

Installation is relatively straightforward but allow a couple of hours with the phone off the hook. Go methodically around the bike, and liberally slather Ti prep along the threaded sections of the Atomic components.

It is possible to use an 8mm ring spanner on the key but tread carefully, especially around carbon components, since overdoing it can result in dangerous failures.

Practice removing and refitting wheels a few times so you've got the knack of the new system should you puncture at midnight in the back of beyond.

You did pop the key on a fob and in a safe place, didn't you? Most tools commonly used by pro thieves such as knurled pliers can't get any purchase and even drill bits have negligible impression upon. Good news if your everyday bike sports an expensive dynohub wheel, forks or crankset.

Maintenance is low but not quite fit and forget. We'd recommend you periodically strip and re-grease to prevent seizure, and keep the key completely clean and free from dirt.

Presently, Atomic22 acknowledge the use of pure titanium puts the system beyond the reach of many riders but are in the process of testing less exotic materials.

Verdict

Innovative and very comprehensive security system but this level of security doesn't come cheap

road.cc test report

Make and model: Atomic22 infiniti3D security system

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

"Our fasteners are designed to be resistant to common forms of attack. Materials and processes have been carefully selected to correspond to the performance requirements of each component.

Unlike other manufacturers of limited security 'solutions' we do not provide a generic solution for a component type. We understand that bikes and their components can vary wildly and hence are developed an extensive database in order to provide a bespoke solution that is correct for your bike".

Easily the most comprehensive system to date and one that won't detract from a prized bike/groupset.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Titanium fasteners that operate via a three dimensional key designed to overcome most forms of attack.

Rate the product for quality of construction:

8/10

Having used both versions, I can attest to their high standards of manufacture.

Rate the product for performance:

7/10

Rate the product for durability:

8/10

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:

8/10

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:

7/10

Rate the product for value:

7/10

Cost effective for high end components.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Engineered to a very high standard, the infiniti3D system is every bit as impressive as it looks, resisting all forms of attack commonly used by thieves. However, I would recommend becomming very practiced in removal/refitment beforehand using them in the field and keeping the key in a very safe place.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Beautifully engineered, great looking and seemingly very effective.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Have nearly lost the key on numerous occasions.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Quite possibly.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, as part of a wider deterrent.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

A bespoke system would be my preferred option in high crime/inner city areas.

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

road.cc reviews

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